Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is cancer of a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. These cells are found in the bone marrow and other parts of the body. Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of bones that helps form all blood cells.

CLL causes a slow increase in a certain type of white blood cells called B lymphocytes, or B cells. Cancer cells spread through the blood and bone marrow. CLL can also affect the lymph nodes or other organs such as the liver and spleen. CLL eventually can cause the bone marrow to lose its function.

Causes of Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

The cause of CLL is unknown. There is no link to radiation. It is not clear whether certain chemicals cause CLL. But exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War has been linked to a slight increased risk of developing CLL.

CLL usually affects older adults, especially those older than age 60. Persons under age 45 rarely get it. CLL is more common in whites than in other ethnic groups. It is more common in men than in women. Some persons with CLL have family members with the disease.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) Symptoms

Symptoms usually develop slowly. CLL is often found by blood tests done in people for other reasons or who do not have any symptoms.

If your doctor discovers you have CLL, tests will be done to see how much the cancer has spread. This is called staging.

Tests that look at changes in DNA inside the cancer cells may also be done. Results from these tests and from staging tests help your doctor determine your treatment.

Treatment of Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

If you have early stage CLL, your doctor will monitor you closely. Usually, no medicines or other treatment is given for early-stage CLL, unless you have:

A high-risk or aggressive (grows quickly) type of CLL

Infections that keep coming back

Leukemia that is rapidly getting worse

Low red blood cells or platelet counts

Fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, or night sweats

Painful swollen lymph nodes

Chemotherapy medicines are used to treat CLL. Your doctor will determine which ones are right for you.

In rare cases, radiation is used for painful and enlarged lymph nodes.

Blood transfusions or platelet transfusions may be required if blood counts are low.

Bone marrow or stem cell transplantation may be used in younger patients with advanced or high-risk CLL. A transplant is the only therapy that offers a potential cure for CLL, but it also has risks. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you.

Support Groups

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.

Prognosis (Outlook)

How well a patient does depends on the stage of the cancer. About half of patients diagnosed in the early stages of CLL live more than 12 years.

Potential Complications

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia

Bleeding from low platelet count

Hypogammaglobulinemia, a condition in which you have lower levels of antibodies, which increases your risk of infection

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